A S U

Under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University; Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research; and Prof. Farid Moharram El-Garhy, Dean of the Faculty of Business at Ain Shams University, the Faculty organized a distinguished poetry seminar titled “Poetic Illuminations”, featuring the prominent poet and media figure, Dr. Gamal El-Shaer, on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Prof. Dr. Ali Lotfy Hall.

The seminar witnessed a large and vibrant attendance that included the faculty’s leadership, academic staff, teaching assistants, and a wide gathering of students. It was a cultural encounter that seamlessly combined the depth of economic thought with the creative spirit of poetry.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Farid El-Garhy, Dean of the Faculty, warmly welcomed the esteemed guest, expressing his delight at hosting the event. He described Dr. El-Shaer as a "pyramid among Egypt’s icons" and praised his pioneering television program, “The Grand Prize”, which influenced millions of Egyptians. He concluded by saying, “Today, the grandest prize is hosting Dr. Gamal El-Shaer among us.”

For his part, Dr. Gamal El-Shaer expressed deep joy at meeting the faculty's leadership and students, greeting them with a poem that opened:
"A morning flavored with mint and sugar... A morning perfumed with musk and amber... To the students of Faculty of Business... A morning of victory and dignity..."

Divinely with passion about his love for Egypt and its unparalleled greatness, highlighting the country’s rich civilization and natural blessings, describing it as “divinely protected.” He then recited a collection of patriotic poems celebrating Egypt’s victories, especially the glorious October War. Among the pieces he performed were “A Pinch of Salt” and “I Am a Man Without a Past.”

Dr. El-Shaer also offered inspiring advice to students, emphasizing the value of personal achievement and optimism, stating:“Celebrate — your greatest achievement is yourself. Celebrate and succeed despite the odds.”

The event included an engaging open forum, during which students actively participated with questions and reflections. Dr. El-Shaer attentively responded, stressing the importance of cultural openness and gaining diverse life experiences. He remarked, “Travel gives you the equivalent of multiple PhDs in personality development and broadening perspectives.”

He also addressed the topic of migration from a constructive standpoint, cautioning young people against the dangers of illegal immigration. At the same time, he encouraged pursuing international academic scholarships as a safe and ideal path to global experience. He cited the example of the “Italian School” in Egypt, which facilitates postgraduate studies in Italy, as a model of effective international partnerships that enable students to benefit from global exposure while remaining within structured and safe academic frameworks.

The discussion touched on artificial intelligence and digital technologies, where he expressed gratitude to inventors who revolutionized knowledge transfer, such as Steve Jobs, who “made access to the world incredibly easy.”

Students enriched the seminar with their poetic contributions. A Palestinian student delivered an emotional poem in English expressing her sentiments toward the Palestinian cause. Dr. El-Shaer gave her a special tribute, extending his greetings to the Palestinian people, “who taught the world the true meaning of humanity.” He dedicated to her a heartfelt poem, affirming that “a better future awaits, under Egypt’s wise political leadership.”

Another student recited a poem about the pain of parting with friends, which drew praise from the guest for its emotional depth and strong Arabic language. Dr. El-Shaer emphasized the importance of the Arabic language in expressing ideas effectively, regardless of one’s academic specialization.

At the close of the event, Prof. Farid El-Garhy, Dean of the Faculty, presented Dr. Gamal El-Shaer with the Faculty of Business Shield in appreciation of his outstanding contribution and role in enriching this national and cultural gathering.

This seminar crowned the faculty’s ongoing efforts to promote national awareness and support student activities that integrate intellect, science, patriotism, and art, in line with the University’s steadfast belief in its role in shaping conscious individuals capable of facing future challenges.